Hi, I wanted a bit of advice as I’m not sure how to do it properly.
When I shave, I either go both ways which causes me to cut myself a lot more, or I go from top to bottom but when doing this, my skin feels lot coarser. Is there a technique I should be using?
I use a safety razor because the blades are much cheaper. Cartridge razors are fine too, but double edged blades are like 10-20¢ each if you get them in bulk.
The other advice I’ve seen here is good. Prep the skin with heat and moisture, pull the skin taught, and use minimal pressure. Avoid using dull blades.
The main thing is be aware of the grain. Hair has a grain, it grows along the surface in a direction with some variation. Generally beard hair grows down and away from the center, but yours may be different. Take some time to observe what grain pattern your hair follows.
The first pass should be with the grain. Shave the entire area with the grain, then go back for one or multiple passes in different directions. I usually do a three pass shave on my face, pass 1 with the grain, pass 2 across the grain, pass 3 against the grain. Shaving against the grain on the first pass is virtually guaranteed to result in cuts.
I’m writing this from the perspective of someone with fair skin, european ancestry, and largely straight beard hair. Hair is highly variable, make sure any hair related advice comes from those with similar hair to yours.